On 22 May 2018, in the Media Center in Belgrade, the report entitled The Hoop of Anti-Gypsyism: Roma in Serbia, prepared by the Civil Rights Defenders, was presented. The report contains the information about the situation of Roma in Serbia in various areas of life, including employment, education, housing, access to justice, personal documents, health care, security and the prohibition of torture, asylum seeking and forced return.

On that occasion, Marija Dražović, Praxis Antidiscrimination and Gender Equality Programme Coordinator, stressed that, despite some progress, Roma continued to face problems in exercising their basic rights.

„In most cases, they need free legal aid, but the problem lies in the fact that the Law on Free Legal Aid has not been adopted and Roma have to address the civil sector”, said Ms Dražović. Emphasising the need to include Roma in decision-making processes related to the improvement of their situation, Marija highlighted the high importance of improving the existing laws and provisions concerning the exercise of the rights to citizenship, possession of personal documents, receiving child allowance.

„Due to the lack of financial resources, Roma mothers are not able to pay a fee for the issuance of ID card. Consequently, they are prevented from exercising the right to child allowance because they do not possess a valid personal document. Having in mind their social position, this is a serious problem for them; therefore, our recommendation is to find a solution as soon as possible in order to overcome such situations”, Ms Dražović concluded.
See the statement of Media Center here.
See the statement of EurActiv.rs here.
See the statement of Danas here.